Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha, has called on newly appointed board members for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure enhanced diligence, due process and effective public service delivery.
The SGF, who was represented by the permanent secretary of General Services in the SGF’s Office, Mr Maurice Mbaeri, made the call during a two-day induction programme for chairmen and members of governing boards of federal government parastatals, agencies and commissions in Abuja yesterday.
He said the programme, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with Konard Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), aims to strengthen the capacity of Board members of federal parastatals and commissions on organisational effectiveness and cooperate governance.
“The programme aims to further deepen your understanding of the new policies, processes and procedures that have been introduced into the art of governance.
“This induction programme has become more significant at this time that the present Administration is fully committed to the entrenchment of good and purposeful governance in our country.
“As you are all aware, the public service that we all know remains the major service provider in Nigeria.
“It is the operating arm of Government with the responsibility of implementing policies and programmes that guarantee the efficient delivery of good governance and democratic dividends to citizens.
“It is, however, hierarchical in structure deriving its direction from the foremost decision-making body in the Federation, the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“The affairs of Parastatals are superintended by a Governing Board, headed by a chairman, to provide policy guidelines and liaise with the supervisory Ministry through the Permanent Secretary for effective monitoring, policy guidance and ensuring that Government policy directives relating to the functions of the parastatal are carried out.
“It is, therefore, worthy of note that the day-to-day administration of the parastatals is handled by a chief executive who doubles as the accounting officer.”
He expressed concern about some worrisome issues that were threatening the smooth operations of some MDAs such as:
“Disagreements on who is responsible for the day-to-day running of Parastatals and Agencies; disregard for extant regulations guiding/restricting the conduct of Board meetings and Interference in the function of the office of the chief executive officer.
“Issuing directives to staff without recourse to the chief executive officer thereby creating disharmony amongst personnel.
“Initiating unlawful disciplinary measures against the Chief Executive without requisite guidance and approval from supervisory ministry and Instigating the labour unions and associations as agents of distraction in the Parastatals,” he said. (NAN)
